Mitchell 1 has partnered with Nexiq Technologies to provide a one-stop diagnostic information resource for technicians working on commercial trucks.

(Both companies are part of the Snap-on family of shop solution brands.)

Mitchell 1, developer of the TruckSeries repair information, has packaged its diagnostic data within Nexiq’s eTechnician PC-based diagnostics software to efficiently service medium- to heavy-duty trucks.

This combined suite of information ensures technicians get the information they need in more streamlined, efficient process to successfully diagnose and repair vehicles, all in one subscription.

Technicians can seamlessly navigate from one information source to the other through the eTechnician diagnostic tool, eliminating the need to toggle between two software programs.

The eTechnician web-based program delivers critical diagnostic capability for engines, transmissions, brakes, body and chassis and more. The diagnostic tool interfaces with the systems on the vehicle to display information from the vehicle, including diagnostic trouble codes, input data from sensors, and output data for components including fuel injectors or cooling fans.

As they proceed down the diagnostic path, technicians also rely on information resources like Mitchell1’s TruckSeries to provide information about the vehicle. The Mitchell 1 information that is bundled within eTechnician includes component locations using high-quality photos, connector details and specific component tests. Also included are easy-to-navigate, simplified wiring diagrams that focus on components relevant to a specific diagnosis.

Addressing Technician Challenges

“Today's technicians have bigger challenges than ever before,” explained Kristy Coffman, director of Mitchell 1’s Commercial Vehicle Group, during a press conference at the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting in New Orleans.

“And they are critical to the diagnostic process, because they see all of the nuances about a vehicle and how to process that information as they decide how to proceed with the diagnostic procedure.

“While they have varying levels of formal training, much of their expertise is gathered while doing while doing the job itself. For years they've managed to keep up with technology, but new technologies can be challenging until the tech becomes comfortable with it. With the velocity of the new technology introductions increasing over the past decade, they find it more difficult to keep up, and they're encountering more, ‘That's the first time I've seen that’ moments than they ever have before.”

With TruckSeries, she added. technicians have access to a wide range of features, including an intuitive card-based interface, driven by Mitchell 1’s 1Search Plus engine. Users can also quickly reference information about new technologies, such as advanced driver assistance systems.

Access to TMC Recommended Practices

TruckSeries now includes instant access to Recommended Practices, or RPs, developed by the Technology & Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Associations, as well as color-coded advanced interactive wiring diagrams; and quick access to industry-standard Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Codes (VMRS) for work in progress.

“Remember last year we introduced TMC's Recommended Practices to the product,” Coffman said. “I'm really happy to tell you guys that we have had nearly 50,000 unique accesses to this information, averaging over 4100 times per month and growing, as technicians and shops understand the value of this information. It's pretty exciting.”